Serious chili-ing battle in St. Norbert

Eleven vendors made their best chili using locally grown ingredients, with all proceeds going to Manitoba charities.

Some serious chili-ing battle went down in St. Norbert.

On Saturday, the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market held its fourth annual charity chili cook-off, highlighting Manitoba-grown ingredients.

Eleven vendors competed in the battle of chili, aiming for the ultimate chili champion title. All proceeds from the ticket revenue are donated to a charity chosen by the winning chef.

“We have some real serious chefs who take it quite seriously, keep their recipe close to their chest and highlight a lot of local ingredients,” said Danielle Mondor, executive director of the market. “The competition is getting thick.”

Ticketholders were asked to vote for their pick of chili champion with their ballot.

“It’s really a fun way to highlight local ingredients and support local business,” Mondor said.

Suzan Stupack of The Stak Co was aiming for her third consecutive win with a “northern classic” chili, featuring locally grown cultured legumes.

Hailing from Petersfield, Man., last year’s bronze place winner Cochrane Creek Farm’s Emma Berg, said the recipe follows Stumptown Mennonite Church Cookbook, adding bison meat and bacon – serving with bannock.

Toula Stewart from Toula’s Hot Chili Oil Drizzles made her chili case with a drizzle of her signature hot chili oil.

In the afternoon, 200 voters chose Fat Iguana Chefs Kitchen first, Cochrane Creek Farm second and Mama B’s Jamaican Patties third.

Each chose Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue, Rossbrook House and Sleep In Heavenly Peace for their donations.